Anchorage Daily News

JUNE 8, 1958

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Madeline and Bernard Warren

Madeline and Bernie Warren of Anchorage celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 8 at O'Malley's on the Green with friends and family.

They met in 1955 while attending Longwood University in Farmville, Va., but didn't begin dating until the summer of 1957. Each has a different version of how they began dating. Bernie swears Madeline jumped into the front seat to sit next to him on a school outing with four other girls, and Madeline says she was the only one who would fit in the middle of the front seat. Dating in Farmville consisted of frequenting the drive-in and downtown theaters, to which Madeline had acquired free passes for advertising movies at the university.

Bernie majored in history and business, and Madeline majored in art. They graduated together with bachelor's degrees in secondary education on June 1, 1958. They married one week after graduation in Madeline's hometown of Scottsville, Va., on June 8, 1958.

Several items from their wedding were on display, including Madeline's wedding dress, garter belt, photo album and cards. A photo slide show of their early life together played throughout the celebration; there were also quite a few stories of fun adventures shared by close friends.

Within weeks of getting married, they flew to Guam, where they lived for three years. Bernie operated a popular "thieves market," a jewelry and antiques shop, while Madeline taught fifth grade for the government of Guam. Bernie's job gave them the opportunity to travel throughout Asia on buying trips during summer.

In 1961, they started their Alaska adventure; both had accepted job offers from the Anchorage School District. Bernie received a master's degree in secondary school administration at the University of Virginia in 1964. He was assistant principal at West and East high schools, then served as principal at Romig and Wendler junior high schools, retiring in 1984. Madeline first taught in Eagle River for four years, then transferred to Campbell Elementary School until her retirement in 1983.

After retiring, they traveled in New Zealand and Australia. They have also toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Bernie began his collection of insulators in 1970; he's searched for them around the world ever since, seeking that "rare" find. Madeline has always been a rock and mineral lover, collecting them since childhood. She now enjoys playing bridge and belongs to three educational organizations and the Anchorage Women's Newcomers/Longtimers Club.

They have a son, William, who hosted the celebration with his wife, Robin.

Upon Will's marriage in 2002, Bernie and Madeline inherited a fast-growing family. They now have three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who love their "Pa-Pa Bernie" and "Grandma Madeline" very much; all live in the Anchorage area. Will's toast said it all:

"Here's to you both, a beautiful pair, on the 50th birthday of your love affair. Cheers!"

FEB. 13, 1958

Frances Ann Nickoloff and William F. Strickland

William F. and Frances Ann Strickland celebrated their 50th anniversary Feb. 13 on a Caribbean cruise. The celebration began with family and friends at an open house in Anchorage and ended with visits to friends in Las Vegas and Seattle.

Bill graduated from Emma Samson High School in Gadsden, Ala., in 1956. He joined the Navy as a sonar technician on the USS Lowe. They met in Seattle through mutual friends while Bill's ship was stationed at Pier 91 and Frances (Nickoloff) was a senior at Ballard High School. They moved to San Francisco in 1959. Bill's ship was stationed at Treasure Island until he was discharged in July 1960. They settled back in Seattle until 1972, when the insurance company Bill worked for sent the family to Alaska. They loved the state and made Anchorage their permanent home. Fran was hired at Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. and worked in the accounting department until she retired in 1998.

The Stricklands enjoy friends and family, salmon fishing and traveling to warmer climates for a few weeks each winter.

They live in Anchorage near their grandchildren.

AUG. 31, 2008

Sarah Gunter and Brian Hasse

Sarah Gunter of North Carolina and Brian Hasse of California will marry Aug. 31 in Monterey, Calif.

The couple met in Alaska in summer 2006; Sarah was at home visiting family, and Brian was here on an exercise with his squadron.

Brian proposed on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas.

Sarah is the daughter of Terri Gunter and Jerry Gunter of Anchorage. Born and raised in Anchorage, she is a 2000 graduate of East High School. Sarah received a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., in 2006 and teaches third grade in Elon, N.C.

Brian is the son of Max and Sandra Hasse of Shelby Township, Mich. He received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Southern California in 2002. Brian is a fighter pilot and serves as a lieutenant in the Navy. He is stationed with the Black Aces squadron in Lemoore, Calif.

The couple will live in Virginia Beach, Va.

MARCH 2, 1968

Mary and Craig Turner

Mary and Craig Turner celebrated their 40th and 41st wedding anniversaries at a surprise party given by their children at Orso restaurant.

Craig and Mary were born and raised in Yakima, Wash. When they were 15, they were introduced by mutual friends while sledding on a rare snow-closure day. They were high school sweethearts and graduated together in 1965. They were secretly married on April 1, 1967, in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. For almost 20 years, no one except Mary's lifelong friend, Donna, knew about the first wedding!

Mary and Donna worked and shared an apartment in West Seattle while Craig attended the University of Washington and lived with his sister and brother-in-law in Kirkland, Wash. The formal wedding took place in Yakima at St. Paul's Cathedral on March 2, 1968.

Craig served four years in the Air Force including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Their first son, Asa, was born at Edwards Air Force Base in July 1969. After military service, they made their home in the Seattle area, where their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in 1979, and another son, Adam, in 1980.

In 1986, they came to Alaska, where both worked in the restaurant industry. In 1994, they went back to the Seattle area for seven years. Craig worked for a family towing business, and Mary worked at Group Health.

They came home to Anchorage in 2001. Craig is a SnapOn Tool dealer, and Mary is a medical receptionist. Their son Asa, his wife, Michele, and their children, A.J., Shelby, Andrew, Arend and Atlee, live in Sterling. Their daughter, Elizabeth, her husband, Ryan, and their children, Olivia and Dalton, live in Anchorage.

Craig and Mary share a duplex with their son, Adam, and his fiancee, Crystal. They love spending time with family and friends and enjoy fishing. They attend church at ChangePoint. They are planning a cruise to celebrate their anniversaries.

AUG. 8, 2008

Mercedes Bell and Dusty Knighten

Mercedes Bell and Dusty Knighten will marry Aug. 8 in Copper Center at a private ceremony on the Copper River.

Friends and family are invited to the reception in Glennallen at 3 p.m. at the couple's home, Mile 182.7 Glenn Highway. There will be a pig and brisket roasting. Bring side dishes and your favorite recipe to share with the couple. Potato and macaroni salad will be provided. Wild game may be brought for cooking before the reception; there will be cooks at the house all day. If you play an instrument or sing, bring it with you. Music will be by those who can play and sing and by stereo system.

The couple has not registered for presents; money or any gift is acceptable.

Mercedes is the daughter of Waynce C. Bell I and Marlene Macy of Copper Center. Her grandmothers are Mary Bell and Mary Craig, both from Copper Center.

Dusty is the son of Ammon and Cathy Knighten of Grizzly Lake. Dusty's grandparents are Doc and Phoeobe Taylor of Grizzly Lake. Dusty has three children, Adara Ralle, Tanner Ammon and Rainy Taylor, from a previous marriage.

JUNE 4, 1983

Corinne and Mike McVee

Corinne Williams McVee and Michael C. McVee of Anchorage celebrated their 25th anniversary June 4, 2008. They were married at East Anchorage United Methodist Church on June 4, 1983. To celebrate, they camped at Montana Creek and in Denali National Park, where they spent the first part of their honeymoon.

Mike presented Corinne with a replica of her wedding bouquet, made by the same florist, June of Flowers by June. The couple gave each other silver medallions from the Alaska Mint, without knowing each other's plans.

Corinne, a flute player, and Mike, a horn player, met while both were members of the University of Alaska Anchorage's Wind Ensemble. They began dating while playing in the pit orchestra for a local production of "The King and I." They began building a house together in 1985-86.

Corinne taught music in Anchorage and Mat-Su for more than 24 years and is now a grant writer for the Anchorage School District. Mike is a retired ASD science teacher. He now works as a tour guide driver, school test administrator and substitute teacher.

Both are musicians in several community ensembles. They enjoy pets, travel and fishing and are still working on finishing the house.

AUG. 8, 2008

Rebecca Smalley and Shane Lasley

Anchorage residents Rebecca Smalley and Shane Lasley will marry Aug. 8 at the Lidia Selkregg Chalet at Russian Jack Springs Park in Anchorage.

Rebecca is the daughter of Edward Smalley of Willow and Ginger Josephson of Oregon. Rebecca graduated from Valdez High School. She works construction seasonally and enjoys reading, dancing, traveling and spending time with her son, Cody Roan, and daughter, Ashley Smalley.

Shane is the son of Don and Carol Lasley of Farmington, N.M. He is the publisher of North of 60 Mining News. Shane enjoys reading, camping, fishing, prospecting for rare gems, and spending time with his family, including his son Gunner Lasley, stepdaughter Ashley Currence and her son, Dorian.

JULY 27, 2008

April Lucore-Hamilton and Thomas 'TJ' Journa

April Lucore-Hamilton and Thomas "TJ" Journa will marry July 27. Family and friends are invited to participate in the fun-loving event known to the Valley as the Moffitt Hecker Family Picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palmer Depot, with the wedding ceremony for TJ and April following at 2:30 p.m. at the Palmer Visitor Center Gardens (weather permitting) or at the depot. A reception will follow at the depot until 8 p.m.

AUG. 22, 2008

Lisa Kern and Kurt Witzleben

Lisa Ann Kern and Kurt Frederick Witzleben, both of Anchorage, will marry Aug. 22 at Holy Cross Catholic Church.

The Rev. Dan Hebert will officiate. Lisa's sister, Erica Woods of Anchorage, will be matron of honor. Kurt's lifelong friend, Kenneth Hickman, will be best man. Bridesmaids will include Kylee Bunker, Rebecca Frey and Lorri Winchester. Groomsmen will include Jason Doogan, Edward Lowry and Patrick Witzleben.

The reception will be at the Bill Sheffield Airport Depot. Lisa and Kurt will honeymoon on the islands of Kauai and Maui in Hawaii.

Lisa is the daughter of Judy Kern of Anchorage and Stephen Kern of Olympia, Wash. She graduated from Service High School in 1995. Lisa received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2000. This spring, Lisa received a master's degree in global supply chain management from UAA. She works as a logistics planner for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Kurt is the son of Frederick and Margaret Witzleben, both of Anchorage. He graduated from East High School in 1994. Kurt received a bachelor's degree in business management from Montana State University in 1999. He works as a financial adviser for the family-owned business, Witzleben Agency.

JULY 11, 1998

Denise and Gerrett Rhodes

Denise and Gerrett Rhodes celebrated their 10th wedding anniversay July 11 with dinner at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant atop Mount Alyeska and a stay at the Alyeska Resort.

The couple have three children, Garrett, Haley and Ryan. They love to spend time at the Rhodes family cabin at Point MacKenzie, where they were married. They also enjoy camping, fishing, four-wheeling, snowmachining and taking family vacations to Hawaii.

AUG. 23, 2008

Taylor Romack and Dan McMahon

Taylor Romack and Dan McMahon will marry Aug. 23 in Girdwood.

Dan and Taylor met playing softball in Anchorage during summer 2006. They live in Seattle and plan to return to Anchorage in August.

Taylor is the daughter of Greg and Patsy Romack and Ida Romack and Randy Riffe of Anchorage. She is a graduate of Steller Secondary School and the University of Alaska Anchorage. In May, she graduated from Seattle University's School of Law. Taylor will start work as a law clerk in September.

Dan is the son of Dan and Linda McMahon. He is a graduate of Service High School and the University of Colorado in Boulder. Dan is an environmental scientist.

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